Oft-injured Dugan speaks on latest ailment

Phillies outfield prospect Kelly Dugan expects to be ready to play when the regular season gets rolling in April.

Sidelined with a stress reaction in his right foot, Dugan, who is no stranger to injuries, showed up to spring training this week in a walking boot and has engaged in limited activity thus far in Clearwater. This issue popped up recently while the California native was running sprints.

For those wondering precisely what a stress reaction is, Dugan cleared that matter up.

“There is no fracture. It’s a low level bone injury from stress to the area,” Dugan explained via text message on Thursday.

The 24-year-old is working to stay in shape in the weight room and states that he is able to play light catch with a regular shoe, free of any pain.

Dugan, who was the Phillies top draft selection (2nd round) in 2009, will be in the walking boot for another week.

“Things are going smoothly so far,” Dugan stated. “Doctors and trainers expect me to be a full go before camp breaks because the MRI showing a stress reaction that was very mild.”

The son of Hollywood director Dennis Dugan, Kelly sports a solid career slash line (.293/.368/.451) in five pro seasons and will likely open the 2015 campaign on the Triple-A Lehigh Valley roster.

In his professional career, Dugan has spent time on the shelf with a collection of injuries including a staph infection, an ankle sprain, oblique strains and turf toe.